The Vancouver Canucks have announced that National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30) will be commemorated both on Sept. 30 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver and on Oct. 4 at the Abbotsford Centre.
These games will mark the third annual commemoration of the day during the Canucks preseason and the 10th anniversary of the Orange Shirt Society, at Rogers Arena and Abbotsford Centre.
Before each game, teams will be joined at centre ice by special guests for a ceremonial puck drop.
Canucks to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at two pre-season games.
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 29, 2023
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Special guests on Sept. 30 at Rogers Arena include representatives from the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Kamloops First Nations.
Special guests on Oct. 4 at Abbotsford Centre include representatives from the Sumas and Matsqui Nations.
Along with the ceremonial puck drops, there will be a performance of a Coast Salish Prayer Song, moment of silence, and a traditional dance to honour victims and survivors of residential schools.
The team also announced they have partnered with Musqueam artists, Victoria Friesen and Chase Gray, to create the team’s 2023 orange shirt design. Principles of “Every Child Matters” will be incorporated to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. All the proceeds from retail sales of t-shirts will be donated to the Orange Shirt Society and are available at vanbase.ca and at the games while quantities last.
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“Our organization recognizes the important role we can play in highlighting voices from local First Nation communities to help educate and spread awareness of the importance of Truth and Reconciliation,” stated Michael Doyle, President, Canucks Sports and Entertainment, Business Operations. “Across our organization - and with our fans on these two evenings - we are honoured to commemorate alongside our First Nation communities.”
The Canucks host the Edmonton Oilers in Vancouver on Sept. 30 and then welcome the Seattle Kraken to Abbotsford on Oct. 4. Vancouver currently has a record of 0-2-1 in three preseason games.